Another year has passed us by here at Eddie's Railfan Page. Goodbye 2013.

Westbound Metra express commuter train heads off in to the winter sunset. Berwyn Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Well everyone, another year has just flew right past us here at My blogsite, just like an "Express Metra commuter train".

I wan't to thank everyone for all the nice E Mails, positive and informative comments, happy memories you have shared, and for all the nice people I have met through hosting Eddie's Railfan Page since 2006.

From Chicago with love.

Happy New Year everyone!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

See you next near friends.

Wintertime at Commons Park. North Riverside Illinois. Late December 2013.

Wintertime at Commons Park. North Riverside Illinois. Late December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Well folks, once again it's Wintertime here in the greater Chicagoland area, which is also that time of the year that I refer to as "The Off Season."

I took this photograph yesterday, as I was passing through North Riverside Illinois in Chicago's western suburbs.

One of my all time favorite local "Haunts" I enjoy visiting in Chicago's western suburbs, is this very family friendly and scenic park located between West 26th Street and West Cermak Road along the east side of Des Plaines Avenue, known as Commons Park.

With bitterly cold temperatures, a few if any people walking through the park, cold winds whistling through the bare tree branches and exposed grass from a recent thaw two days ago, Commons Park at the time of my visit was definitely a scene from Chicago's cold and blustery "Off Season".

When the warm and sunny days of springtime return a few months from now, this place will once again be a place of great seasonal beauty with children playing in the fields and climbing the hill, ducks in the pond, and many colorful flowers to be seen and enjoyed.

A recent addition to Comons Park, is that asphalt bicycle and walking path in this photograph, which was until recently a concrete sidewalk. I just may be coming here this upcoming springtime season, to do a little roller blading in my spare time.

This is a very lovely park worth visiting.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad's light blue "New Image" color schheme promoting "The Rock". Circa 1974.

 

Growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois many years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing a colorful and very tasteful world of everyday corporate railroad color schemes and advertising images on the southside of Chicago during the 1970's. During this time, the Rock Island's light blue and white 1974 "New Image" color scheme was definitely one of my unfortunately "Short Lived favorites.

 

After many years of facing numerous financial difficulties, aborted merger take overs by other railroads and several bankruptcies, The Rock Island's board of directors introduced this very spiffy and modern color scheme, with advertising graphics promoting this railroad as "The Rock", to give one the illusion, that the Rock Island was "financially solid as a rock" and looking at a bright future ahead. Unfortunately, this was not the case at all, and the financially troubled Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad ceased operating on March 31st, 1980.

 

After the end of the Rock Island as we knew it, the railroad, rolling stock and facilities were auctioned off, creating several new regional and short line railroads spun off in the wake of the Rock Islands demise.

 

During the early to mid 1980's, a number of former locomotives that were still wearing Rock Island colors and markings, could be found leased and working for the Grand Trunk Western, and several other North American railroads.

Southbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Skokie IL. Feb 2009.

A BNSF Railway one car transfer train on a hold order. Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. January 2007.

A BNSF Railway one car transfer train on a hold order. Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one morning back in January of 2007.

The area in this photograph located just immediately east of South Lawndale Avenue at approximately West 49th Street on the southwest side of Chicago, was one of my first "Railfan" locations I used to go to, and hang out just to watch the local train activity while I attended nearby Curie High School from 1977 to 1981. Unfortunately...I did not own my first camera yet. "Darn!"

After an absence of several years, I was passing through the area, and decided to stop and visit my old teenage railfan haunt.

I could not have picked a better time to do so.

a very unique and one of a kind BNSF Railway one car / extra movement intermodal transfer train, had just departed from the nearby former
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe R R Corwith Yard, and was viewed idling on the Belt Railway of Chicago owned interchange track, waiting for clearance to proceed westbound over the BRC's own single track heavily ballasted branchline track.

I spent much time railfanning this branchline during the late 1970's and early 1980's, as it ran right behind Curie High School. I can recall seeing many Santa Fe transfer trains on this line.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Orange Indiana Harbor Belt EMD roadswitchers at work inside Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. January 2007.

Orange Indiana Harbor Belt EMD roadswitchers at work inside Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph on a typical overcast winter morning back in January of 2007.

Two recently painted orange Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad EMD roadswitcher diesel electric locomotives, are viewed switching a large cut of cars at the IHB's own Argo Yard in Summit Illinois.

Southbound Metra express. Glenview IL. Dec 26th, 2013.

Yes, I did get sprayed with cold powdery snow dust in the wake of this train.

This video was photographed at the "Glen of North Glenview" , Metra commuter rail station at north suburban Glenview Illinois.

It's Christmas time in Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2013.

It's Christmas time in Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

There was much festive holiday cheer to be found in 2013, through out the greater Chicagoland area.

This lighted suspended Santa Claus display, was located along North 75th Avenue, in the northwest suburban village of Elmwood Park Illinois.

I couldn't resist the opportunity, to park my car, and step out to take a snapshot of this local holiday display in all of it's illuminated glory.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Heisler. Rivarossi H.O Scale.

Just recently, Rivarossi re released their H.O Scale model of a Heisler logging type steam locomotive. Their new and upgraded model features DCC and sound.

These locomotives were used primarily for logging, mining and industrial railroad applications.

A northbound Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train. Morton Grove Illinois. Thursday, December 12th, 2013.

A northbound Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train. Morton Grove Illinois. Thursday, December 12th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph in bitterly cold outdoor conditions.

With plenty of beautiful bright sunshine, crystal clear blue sky, and some unfortunate windy and blustery cold temperatures in the upper teens, I snapped this photograph in Morton Grove Illinois.

A slow moving Norfolk Southern Railroad transfer freight train traveling over the former Milwaukee Road Railroad, is viewed passing through the Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station.

Although I was wearing gloves that day, my hands were still stinging me as was my face.
A sharp wind out of the west made this picture a challenge to take, but it was worth it all anyway.

Ah yes, nothing like Chicago winter railroading.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Canadian National's former Illinois Central Railroad Forest Park industrial stub branchline. Forest Park Illinois. Abandoned, rails removed in 2013.

The Canadian National's former Illinois Central Railroad Forest Park industrial stub branchline. Forest Park Illinois. Abandoned, rails removed in 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The greater Chicagoland area lost a longtime established former Illinois Central Railroad branchline in Chicago's western suburbs in 2013.

The Forest Park stub end branchline in Forest Park Illinois that connected to the former Illinois Central Railroad's Iowa Division mainline at North Riverside Illinois, was formally abandoned and the tracks removed for good in 2013 under successor railroad Canadian National.

This branchline is more than likely best remembered, for being located along the east side of the Woodlawn Cemetery on West Cermak Road.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Christmas time at the Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall. Chicago Ridge Illinois. December 2006.

Christmas time at the Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall. Chicago Ridge Illinois. December 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Broadway Limited Alco RSD 15

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train crossing the Longcommon Road railroad crossing. Riverside Illinois. December 2013.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train crossing the Longcommon Road railroad crossing. Riverside Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph a few weeks ago, in the town of Riverside Illinois.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train passes through town on an overcast and very bitterly frigid cold day.

This unusual train photograph, shows the normally unnoticed details up close on a typical American railroad crossing gate.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page.

A northbound Pace bus on Milwaukee Avenue / Illinois Rt # 21. Niles Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Well folks, it officially looks like 2013 is now nearing "The end of the line", and with just a few days left on the calendar, this will be the final bus day edition of my blogsite for 2013.

I want to extend a special thank you for all of the wonderful support and E mails that you the many readers have sent me this year. 2013 was great, but 2014 will be even bigger and better for rail and bus fans alike, as well as all of those "Non" transportation enthusiasts who have sent me nice E mails and positive comments.

Best holiday wishes to all from the city of Chicago Illinois USA, and thanks for riding aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.

Thank you everyone!
Your "Too much".

Your buddy
Eddie K.

Bradford trolleybus dewirement. 1972.

Here is a trolleybus home movie video from England that I found on You Tube.

I can recall that when I was growing up in Chicago during the final years of CTA electric trolleybus operation, that the spring loaded trolley poles would sometimes actually bounce off the overhead wires, causing these buses to lose power and come to a stop.

Brittish trolleybuses were no exception either according to this 1972 film.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Fully restored 1954 Greyhound Scenicruiser bus PD 4501-083.

21 years of Chicago Surface Lines equipment and technology at the Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. June 2001.

21 years of Chicago Surface Lines equipment and technology at the Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. June 2001., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Digital Live Sound Video: First Transit new 2008 Ford Paratransit bus leaving the Glenview garage. Glenview Illinois. January 2009.

Digital Live Sound Video: First Transit new 2008 Ford Paratransit bus leaving the Glenview garage. Glenview Illinois. January 2009. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

New and old at the CTA West 63rd Place bus terminal. March 1986.

New and old at the CTA West 63rd Place bus terminal. March 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in March of 1986.

We are at the Chicago Transit Authority's bus terminal on South Kedzie Avenue and West 63rd Place in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood.

An era is ending on the CTA, as the old 1960's era Flxible fishbowl windshield buses like bus # 3712 seen to the right of the photograph,are being retired from the company roster for good this year.

There is a chance, that this may be # 3712's final run today on the CTA Rt # 52 Kedzie / California bus line, and will more than likely be towed away to a scrap yard somewhere in the very near future.

Goodbye 1960's era CTA New Look Flxibles. It was fun growing up riding these in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Trolleybus Modellbahn Solingen.

I found this video of possible German origin on You Tube.

Electric powered trolleybuses once operated on the streets of cities like Chicago Illinois, Cleveland Ohio, Johnstown Pennsylvania, Des Moines Iowa and Dallas Texas.

Operating trolleybus layouts in H.O Scale are a bit of a rarity here in the United States, but
somehow have found a well deserved following overseas in Europe.

Seen here is an H.O Scale trolleybus layout in Germany.

The intersection of West 87th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Evergreen Park Illinois. March 1989.

The intersection of West 87th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Evergreen Park Illinois. March 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, way back in March of 1989.

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority Route # 52A / South Kedzie bus, is viewed crossing the intersection of South Kedzie Avenue and West 87th Street, and entering in to south suburban Evergreen Park Illinois at the Chicago city limits border.

Eddie K at work. Glenview Illinois. December 2008.

Eddie K at work. Glenview Illinois. December 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photograph was taken during my first year of employment as a Paratransit bus driver.

I was working the 2nd shift at the time of this photograph, as I yet did not have enough seniority to move to a daytime first shift route. That would soon change by the spring of 2009.

Here I am at the First Transit garage in Glenview Illinois, preparing to perform my mandatory pre trip vehicle inspection on a bitterly cold December afternoon. My assigned bus on this day, First Transit 2001 Ford small paratransit mini bus # 5124, is viewed idling outside the garage with the interior heat definitely turned on.

This bus was retired and removed from our roster in 2010, after many years of dependable service.

Thank you for logging on to Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois in 2013.

See you next year with many fun photographs, happy memories, and many fascinating articles to share with you.

Happy New Year!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Elk Grove Bowl. Elk Grove Village Illinois. Wednsday evening, December 18th, 2013.

Elk Grove Bowl. Elk Grove Village Illinois. Wednsday evening, December 18th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently around sunset, in Elk Grove Village Illinois.

Now that winter is officially upon us, many people will be heading out for fun indoor activities as a family, group or league at the locally popular Elk Grove Bowl in Elk Grove Village Illinois.

Located in a strip mall at the southeast corner of Arlington Heights Road and Illinois Rt # 72 Higgins, this is a place definitely worth considering when the wintertime cold and boredom get the better of you during this long and cold season in the greater Chicagoland area.

This is a fun family place that even features cosmic bowl for that fun black light fluorescent neon art feel about it all.

I plan to be heading out here soon with a friend or two for some bowling fun.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A seasonal outdoor light up plastic snowman on the front porch. Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2013.

A seasonal outdoor light up plastic snowman on the front porch. Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eddie K's 1960's and 70's era Santa Fe freight train entering the swing bridge.

Eddie K's 1960's and 70's era Santa Fe freight train entering the swing bridge., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph a few years ago, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

One of the really cool things about being a member of an operating model railroad club, is the ability to recreate some happy memories you had watching the trains you observed in your town or city many years ago.

I was born in Chicago Illinois during 1962, and lived near the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad on the southwest side of the city.

My train shown here, recreates a typical Santa Fe local or transfer freight train from the 1960's and early 1970's era. The locomotive is an Athearn model of an EMD model G P 35 roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive introduced in 1963 as part of EMD's 2nd Generation line of then "New" Hi Tech diesel locomotives. The locomotive is painted in the Santa Fe's blue and yellow "Book Ends" color scheme which was used from 1960 until 1972. The cars in tow are typical American freight cars from the 1960's and 70's era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The last winter run: Featuring New Hope & Ivyland # 40.

Here is a wintertime steam train video from the popular New Hope & Ivyand Railroad, which operates out of New Hope Pennsylvania U.S.A.

Northbound Metra local commuter train arrives at Daybreak. Glenview Illinois. Thursday, December 26th, 2013.

Northbound Metra local commuter train arrives at Daybreak. Glenview Illinois. Thursday, December 26th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph this morning at daybreak, around approximately 7:00 AM.

A northbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, is viewed arriving at the Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station on a cold winter morning.

The former site of the Fairyland Amusement Park. Lyons Illinois.December 2013. In business from 1938 to 1977. sold, demolished and redeveloped begining in late 1978.

The former site of the Fairyland Amusement Park. Lyons Illinois. December 2013. In business from 1938 to 1977. sold, demolished and redeveloped begining in late 1978., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The greater Chicagoland area was once the home to several family owned and operated seasonal amusement parks.

Most had vanished from the Chicago area by the late 1970's and early 1980's. The Fairlyland Amusement Park located along the west side of South Harlem Avenue at West 40th Street in Lyons Illinois, was just one of those places. Fairyland was in business from 1938 until 1977. It was eventually sold in 1978, and demolished in October of that year.

Originally the site of a Zayre and later Ames Department store after the site was redeveloped upon the completion of the amusement park's demolition, today it is the site of a Marshall's Department Store, and an X Sport Fitness Gym.

Fairyland was a tiny seasonal amusement park, that featured lovely well landscaped grounds, and portable carnival style rides on the midway along South Harlem Avenue. I visited Fairyland a handful of times with my family when I was growing up during the 1970's.

B.T.W There is also a short silent home movie video of Fairyland taken in 1974 on You Tube.
It is entitled "Fairyland. Lyons Illinois 1974".

Although Fairyland is long gone, I am here to tell about it so future generations of Lyons Illinois residents may appreciate it as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

H.O Scale Model Railroad. Boston & maine 2-6-0

I found this model railroad video on You Tube.

A popular and inexpensive H.O Scale model of a small to medium sized American prototype steam locomotive, is the Bachman, H.O Scale model of a 1920's era Alco 2-6-0 mogul type steam locomotive, which was released in 2013.

This locomotive is equipped with DCC and Sound, and comes decorated for a number of railroads.

Here is this locomotive decorated for the Boston & Maine Railroad, which had owned similar engines. These were dual service locomotives used on both freight and passenger trains.

Former Soo Line equipment behind a fence. Schiller Park Illinois. January 2007.

Former Soo Line equipment behind a fence. Schiller Park Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one sunny winter morning, back in January of 2007.

Although the former Soo Line Railroad was bought out through merger by the Canadian Pacific way back in 1990, apparently...it is taking a little longer than expected to repaint all of that former Soo Line equipment.

These two pieces of former Soo Line rolling stock, were photographed in Schiller Park Illinois.

A bag full of Christmas presents for the family. Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2013.

A bag full of Christmas presents for the family. Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Merry Christmas everyone from Eddie's Railfan Page!

Best holiday wishes to all from the city of Chicago Illinois USA!

Bobby Helms. Jingle Bell Rock. 1957.

Eastbound Metra express. River Grove Illinois.

The CTA South Boulevard Purple line station. Evanston Illinois USA. Thursday, February 3rd, 2011.

The CTA South Boulevard Purple line station. Evanston Illinois USA. Thursday, February 3rd, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one cold but sunny winter morning, back in February of 2011.

It was just two days after the infamous February 1st, 2011 Chicago blizzard had dumped a record 20.9 inches of snow accumulation upon the entire Chicago area, and there was plenty of digging out to be done yet.

A northbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line rapid transit train enroute to nearby north suburban Wilmette Illinois, is viewed arriving at the South Boulevard station in Evanston Illinois.

Let Eddie K host your next public speaking event!

Eddie K. Fellow railfan, public speaker, and host of Eddie's Railfan Page. http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com, a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

For more information about my unique audio visual historic musical photo slideshow presentations which are fun and very family oriented, contact me at my E Mail address

edwardpk04@yahoo.com

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Christmas time @ the Hesston Steam Museum.

One of my all time favorite operating railroad museums I have enjoyed visiting for many years, is the Hesston Steam Museum, located in the town of Hesston Indiana, just east of Michigan City Indiana, and just south of neighboring New Buffalo Michigan at the state line.

Here is a video I spotted on You Tube, showing their December Santa Claus train in operation.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Canadian National freight train on a hold order. Berwyn Illinois. December 2007.

Westbound Canadian National freight train on a hold order. Berwyn Illinois. December 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one snowy winter morning, back in December of 2007.

A westbound Canadian National freight train, is viewed waiting on a hold order, just east of the Riverside Drive railroad crossing in west suburban Berwyn Illinois.

This train is operating over the former Illinois Central Railroad's Iowa Division Mainline.

Christmas time in Riverside Illinois. December 2013.

Christmas time in Riverside Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last night, on my way home from a visit to my parent's house in Bridgeview Illinois.

Traffic was a delightful shade of light on South Harlem Avenue, when I snapped this photograph of a lighted street lamp post decorated with Christmas lights from my driver's side window , while I was waiting for the traffic light to change.

A 1970's era Santa Fe freight train speeds across an urban viaduct.

I photographed this digital live sound video recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A 1970's era freight train from the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, zips along an elevated railroad embankment crossing an urban viaduct with several cars in tow.

The locomotive is an Athearn model of an EMD model GP 35 roadswitcher, painted in Santa Fe's pre 1972 "Book Ends" color scheme. Toward the rear of the train is a Walter's trainline Series model of a Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Pulman Standard 52 foot Airslide covered hopper in the Rock Island's 1974 "New Image"light blue color scheme with "The Rock" advertising slogan.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Morton Grove Illinois. Thursday, December 12th, 2013.

Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Morton Grove Illinois. Thursday, December 12th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently during my lunch break, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

It was a freezing bitterly and very cold day with plenty of bright crystal clear sunshine, as a northbound Amtrak Hiawatha regional passenger train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, passes through the Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station.

Christmas in the windy city. Chicago Illinois. December 2013.

Christmas in the windy city. Chicago Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Happy holidays from Eddie's Railfan Page!

A seasonal outdoor live Christmas tree sales lot. Bridgeview Illinois. December 2013.

A seasonal outdoor live Christmas tree sales lot. Bridgeview Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last week Sunday evening, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

It's Christmas time once again here in the greater Chicagoland area, and those local temporary seasonal live Christmas tree sales lots are showing up most everywhere you go.

This one was photographed in a local strip mall parking lot along the east side of South Harlem Avenue and West 87th Street.

Happy holidays from Eddie's Railfan Page to all who enjoy reading and viewing my blogsite.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Greetings from Chicago Illinois.

Eastbound CTA Blue line rapid transit train. Chicago Illinois. January 2009.

Eastbound CTA Blue line rapid transit train. Chicago Illinois. January 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Village of River Grove Illinois department of public works International snowplow equipped dump truck. River Grove Illinois USA. February 2006.

Village of River Grove Illinois department of public works International snowplow equipped dump truck. River Grove Illinois USA. February 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Angels we have heard on high. (traditional Christmas hym.)

I thought that it would be nice to toss in a nice Christmas holiday carol, to help keep the feeling and to send the true meaning of Christmas to everyone this holiday season.

Seasons greetings from the city of Chicago Illinois USA everyone!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad freight train waiting to depart from the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois. January 1987.

Eastbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad freight train waiting to depart from the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois. January 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Mister and Mrs Santa Claus figures on display in a West 95th Street store wiindow. Evergreen Park Illinois. Early January 1988.

Mister and Mrs Santa Claus figures on display in a West 95th Street store wiindow. Evergreen Park Illinois. Early January 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in early January of 1988.

Two seasonal holiday animated figurines of Mister and Misses Santa Claus, adorn the windows of a local business on West 95th Street in south suburban Evergreen Park Illinois.

The Christmas and New Years holidays were over, but the spirit of the season was still there at the time of this visit.

Eastbound Metra local commuter train dispatched to the "Wrong / Westbound" mainline due to heavy train traffic. Riverside Illinois. December 2013.

Eastbound Metra local commuter train dispatched to the "Wrong / Westbound" mainline due to heavy train traffic. Riverside Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last week Sunday, in west suburban Riverside Illinois.

It was a very busy time that day on the BNSF Railway's 3 track Chicago to Aurora commuter line, as this eastbound Metra local enroute to Chicago Union Station, was dispatched on to the "wrong" or normally "Westbound" mainline, due to heavy freight train traffic on this bitterly cold blustery winter day with outside temperatures in the teens.

A rainy day for a trash collection. Chicago Illinois. Friday, December 20th, 2013.

A rainy day for a trash collection. Chicago Illinois. Friday, December 20th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph this morning enroute to my lunch break.

Sanitation workers are a tough and rugged group of municipal workers, and they work outdoors in all kinds of weather.

I was heading southbound on North Harlem Avenue at the intersection of West Foster Avenue on the northwest side of the city, when I spotted this garbage truck from the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, traveling down Harlem Avenue in a cold and wet falling rain with temperatures in the mid to upper 30's.

The snow was melting, and their stomachs were more than likely growling. This sanitation crew was on their way to a much deserved lunch break themselves.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

H.O Scale C & N,W train crossing the Missisippi River.

I photographed this digital live sound video recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.

My Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight train, is shown entering on to the Missisippi River lift bridge at the Illinois and Iowa state line border.

Houses decorated with outdoor Christmas lights on Elm Street. Morton grove Illinois. December 2013.

Houses decorated with outdoor Christmas lights on Elm Street. Morton grove Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph at the end of my shift one evening last week, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

Just down the street from my last passenger drop off, were these lovely houses lighted up and decorated for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

I had my camera with me, and wasn't about to miss this lovely and festive photo opportunity.

Merry Christmas everyone from Eddie's Railfan Page!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago Bears "Shufflin Crew" Chevrolet stepvan truck. Morton Grove Illinois. December 2013.

Chicago Bears "Shufflin Crew" Chevrolet stepvan truck. Morton Grove Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train with a Kansas City Southern Railroad locomotive up front. Riverside Illinois. December 2013.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train with a Kansas City Southern Railroad locomotive up front. Riverside Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Brian Setzer Orchestra. Jingle Bells.

A 1950's and 60's era Santa Fe local freight train crossing theMissisippi River lift bridge.

A 1950's and 60's era Santa Fe local freight traincrossing the Missisippi River lift bridge., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

With my Bachman H.O Scale model of an Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Alco (American Locomotive Company) model S 4 yard switcher locomotive wearing the 1950's era Santa Fe "Zebra Stripe" color scheme pulling some 1960's freight cars in tow, I have recreated in miniature a scene of 1950's and 60's era local freight train railroading, as it may have looked like on the Santa Fe circa 1965 or so.

Although the prototype Santa Fe began painting these engines in a dark blue with yellow ends and frame color scheme beginning in 1960, locomotives in both color schemes could be found operating out of various A,T & S,F terminals system wide until the late 1960's in some places.

It took a while to finally phase the 1950's era color scheme out .

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound BNSF Railway piggyback trailer train. La Grange Illinois. December 2008.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound BNSF Railway piggyback trailer train. La Grange Illinois. December 2008. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A seasonal outdoor live Christmas tree sales lot at North Harlem and West Bryn Mawr Avenues. Chicago Illinois. December 2013.

A seasonal outdoor live Christmas tree sales lot at North Harlem and West Bryn Mawr Avenues. Chicago Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph on my way home from work one evening recently.

Every year, the empty piece of land on the northeast corner of North Harlem and West Bryn Mawr Avenues, becomes an outdoor live Christmas tree sales lot.

Here is a somewhat distant view I photographed , with my driver's side window down under night time conditions.

Surprisingly, it somehow didn't turn out too bad after all. Nice.

World's Greatest American Flyer toy train layout. Part 1.

A westbound BNSF Railway freight train with snow dust blowing off the train car roofs. Riverside Illinois. December 2013.

A westbound BNSF Railway freight train with snow dust blowing off the train car roofs. Riverside Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last week Sunday, in west suburban Riverside Illinois.

It was a bitterly cold day with outside temperatures in the upper teens, overcast sky, and a sharp windchill factor in the air.

A westbound BNSF Railway freight train, is viewed passing through the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station, with snow dust blowing off the top of the train car roofs.

I froze taking this photograph, but it was worth it.

Merry Christmas from the greater Chicagoland area everyone!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Burl Ives. Have a holly Jolly Christmas.

Happy holidays from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

Seasons greetings from Eddie's Railfan Page everyone!

Cheers!

Eddie K.

Westbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Evanston IL.

Nothbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. February 2007.

Nothbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. February 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one evening after work, back in February of 2007.

The entire Chicago area and parts of the Midwest, were experiencing a dangerously cold weather period, that was being refered to as "The Chicago Deep Freeze of 2007."

I paid a short visit around sunset, to Hawthorne Junction at the border of Cicero Illinois with my camera in hand, and of course, those all too important gloves.

The outside temperature was 8 degrees above zero Farenheight and falling fast upon the approach of nightfall.

Two BNSF Railway diesel electric locomotives, are viewed heading northbound and running light on the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks. These two locomotives were returning to nearby Clyde Yard in Cicero Illinois.

The hill to the left of the locomotives, is the site of the abandoned Bell Air Drive In Movie Theatre which had closed for good in 1999.

Vintage New Haven Railroad musical photo slideshow.

For all the fans out there of classic northeastern United States railroading, here is
a musical photo slideshow I found on You Tube, from the former New York,
New Haven & Hartford Railroad. ( Pre 1969.)

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Penn Central freight train during the wintertime circa mid 1970's at Wellsley Farms Massachusettes. From the internet.

Penn Central freight train during the wintertime circa mid 1970's at Wellsley Farms Massachusettes. From the internet., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this 1970's era photograph from the former Penn Central Railroad on the internet a few years ago.

Railfan photographer Dick Leonhardt, photographed this Penn Central freight train passing through Wesley Farms Massachusettes during the wintertime in a snow covered and overcast setting.

Santa Special steam train.

Northbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern transfer train at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. January 2007.

Northbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern transfer train at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one very bitterly cold winter morning, back in January of 2007.

We are on location out in the open, at a busy Chicago area rail junction at the Chicago city limits along the border of Cicero Illinois, at a place known as Hawthorne Junction.

A northbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks, slowly approaches the Canadian National ex Illinois Central crosstracks at the junction.

A small Holder snowplow tractor. Glenview Illinois. January 2010.

A small Holder snowplow tractor. Glenview Illinois. January 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in January of 2010.

Seen here parked between assignments in a local parking lot at north suburban Glenview Illinois, is a small orange Holder utility tractor fitted up with a snowplow.

During the winter season, the village of Glenview Illinois uses this little one man operated tractor, to clear sidewalks and municipal parking lot facilities in town.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A northbound Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train passes through the Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station. Morton Grove Illinois. Thursday, December 12th, 2013.

A northbound Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train passes through the Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station. Morton Grove Illinois. Thursday, December 12th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Brenda Lee. Rockin' around the Christmas tree.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. October 2013.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. October 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of my personal happy memories of 2013, was my return to roller skating after an 8 year hiatus.

With nice weather, a lovely local place known as West Park in Des Plaines Illinois, stylish work out clothes, safety gear and brand new roller blade skates, I began enjoying a new recreational activity during my morning lunch break periods.

I skated until the eventual seasonal cold and wet weather of November arrived in the greater Chicagoland area, followed by snow and temperatures in the teens or lower outdoors.

Word has it, that the greater Chicagoland area may be expecting warm temperatures in the upper 30's by later this week.

If the snow and ice melt..heck! I just may be putting my roller blades back on and do some surprise wintertime roller blading in the near future. (I sure hope so.)

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Polar Bear Drive In during the off season. North Riverside Illinois. December 2013.

The Polar Bear Drive In during the off season. North Riverside Illinois. December 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Pacing a G Scale LGB train.

Eastbound BNSF Railway trailer train speeding through Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois. January 2007.

Eastbound BNSF Railway trailer train speeding through Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A Life Like Proto 2000 Series model of a 1960's era 50 foot double door automobile box car from the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

A Life Like Proto 2000 Series model of a 1960's era 50 foot double door automobile box car from the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last week, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Seen here is my bright red Life Like Proto 2000 Series model of a Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad 50 foot double door automobile box car.

For many years beginning during the steam era, brand new factory fresh automobiles, were shipped by rail in box cars like the model shown here. By the late 1950's and early 1960's era, open Auto Rack cars began replacing these cars in automobile service as they were easier to quickly load and unload at rail terminals.

The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy originally used these cars in automobile service, and originally painted these cars in a typical "Plain" brown color scheme, with the corporate logo and their popular advertsing slogans "Everywhere West, and "Way of the Zephyrs" in slanted bold white graphics to promote their passenger trains.

The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad began using this modernized bright red color scheme in 1959 on diesel locomotives and freight cars, and refered to this as their "Chinese red" color scheme. The C,B & Q cars rolled along in this color scheme for several years after the 1970 merger that created the "New" company known as the Burlington Northern Railroad.

After automobile shipping traffic was transfered to open auto rack cars, these veteran automobile box cars were placed in to hauling general freight shipping service.

Thanks.
Eddie K.